Virginian Railway Passenger Station Phase II: Building Restoration

MAP– 21 Grant Application

Fiscal Year 2016

October 31, 2014

Prepared by: And:

James G. Cosby Alison S. Blanton

Roanoke Chapter, Roanoke Valley National Railway Historical Society Preservation Foundation

PROJECT APPLICATION FORM FISCAL YEAR 2016

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM **APPLICATION DEADLINE NOVEMBER 1, 2014**

Use TAB KEY to reach each field

1. Project Sponsor Name and Title: Christopher Morrill, City Manager Organization: City of Roanoke Address: 215 Church Avenue SW City, State, Zip+4: Roanoke, VA 24011‐ Telephone/Fax: (540) 853 ‐ 2333 / (540) 853 ‐ 1138 E‐mail Address: [email protected]

2. Project Manager Name and Title: James G. Cosby, Committee Chair Organization: Roanoke Chapter, National Railway Historical Society Address: PO Box 1322 City, State, Zip+4: Roanoke,, VA 24032‐

Telephone/Fax: (540) 989 ‐ 3198 / (540) 989 ‐ 3198 E‐mail Address: [email protected]

3. Sponsor DUNS 4. Project UPC Number Number 6704316 (Existing Projects Only) 103592

5. Project Title Virginian Railway Passenger Station Phase II: Building Restoration

5a. Provide a description of the project and a clearly defined scope of the improvements to be made utilizing Transportation Alternatives funds. Phase II will complete the restoration of the Virginian Railway Passenger Station for adaptive reuse as a museum for the Roanoke Chapter, National Railway Historical Society and a leasable commercial space to provide funds for the future maintenance and upkeep of the building. The project will include a memorial to former Virginian Railway employees as well as bike racks and a comfort station for users of the existing Mill Mountain Greenway. Transportation Alternatives Funds will be used to provide additional funding required to complete the project based on recent construction bids.

6. Identify beginning and ending termini and provide a location map with the project area clearly marked. Start Location: 1402 Jefferson Street SE, Roanoke, VA End Location: 1402 Jefferson Street SE, Roanoke, VA

7. Project Location Is this project located within a Transportation Management Area (TMA)? Yes No If yes, please indicate which MPO area: Northern Virginia Richmond Tri Cities Roanoke Hampton Roads Fredericksburg (Portion of North Stafford in TMA) If project is in a TMA, complete Attachment A – Supplemental Information for Projects in TMAs

8. Local Jurisdiction Population (Based on 2010 census data)

Less than 5,000 5,000 to 200,000 Greater than 200,000

9. Primary Category of Eligibility (Select ONLY one) Select primary category of eligibility even if other categories may apply. Construction of on‐road or off‐road trail facility Improvement or system that will provide safe routes for non‐drivers (Includes Safe Routes to School) Conversion of abandoned railroad corridor for use as a trail for non‐motorized transportation Construction of turnouts, overlooks, and viewing areas Inventory, control, or removal of outdoor advertising Historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities Vegetation management practices in transportation rights of way Archeological activities related to implementation of a transportation project Environmental mitigation activity focused on storm water management Environmental mitigation activity focused on wildlife mortality or habitat connectivity

10. Does this project qualify as a “Safe Routes to School” project based on the criteria below? Yes No • Eligible infrastructure activity • Project is located within 2 miles of an elementary / middle school 10a. Do you wish to pursue this as a SRTS project? If so, complete the required Attachment B – Yes No Supplemental Information for Safe Routes to School Projects

Project Funding

11. Total project cost (*) is to be limited to the project described in this application and based on the beginning and ending termini provided. This should not be considered the “whole” of a multi‐phased project. According to the attached Project Budget ‐ Attachment C , the following project costs can be demonstrated: 11a. Total Anticipated TA Funding Cannot exceed 80% of total project cost $649,994.00 11b. Total Local 20% Match Required Based on the anticipated TA funds above $162,499.00 11c. Other Project Funds (Non‐ TAP funds) Include other grants and/or donations $710,407.00

11d. Total Project Cost (*) Sum of above; should match Attachment C $1,522,900.00

12. Transportation Alternatives Funding Request 12a. Federal TA Funds Requested This Application Only $246,000.00 12b. Local Match Required This Application Only $61,500.00

13. Do you plan to use in‐kind to meet all or part of the 20% local match requirement? Yes No 13a. If yes, provide the estimated value of services and / or donations to be applied as in‐kind Value: $ $249,000.00 match. 13b. If planning to use in‐kind match, explain in detail the services to be provided and where possible, provide documentation identifying the donations being made and the dollar value for each. Norfolk Southern Corp. donation of building & land valued at $124,000 and Roanoke Chapter, NRHS exhibits appraised at $125,000.

14. If the 20% local match is being provided in cash, identify the proposed source of funding. Cash funds provided as additional match come from cash donations from the Roanoke Chapter, NRHS ($117,900) and the anticipated capital investment from the syndication of the historic tax credits ($700,000) 2

15. A local 20% match contribution is required – how much additional local funding (above the required 20%) is proposed? No additional match is planned for this request. Currently, the local match for the total project is 63%. Should the current request for funding be granted, the total match for the project will be 52%

16. Is there additional (above the 20% match) non‐sponsor or non‐local funding available for Yes No this project – other grants, state funds, corporate donations, etc.? If yes, provide the amount of non‐local funds, identify the source of this funding and attach a letter documenting the commitment of these funds including when they will be available. Norfolk Southern Corporation donation of land and building: $124,000 (received) City of Roanoke Brownfield Grant: $200,000 (received) FHA VDRPT Grant: $195,323 (received) RCNRHS cash donations: $117,000 (received) RCNRHS donation of exhibits: $125,000 (committed) Cash investment from state and federal historic tax credits: $700,000 (anticipated)

17. If this request is not fully funded, or if the estimated project cost increases during design, how do you plan to complete this project? The estimated cost is based on an average of construction bids recently received. If the cost exceeds funding available, the scope of the project will need to be reduced to meet available funding. Additional private donations will be sought to complete the memorial to the former Virginian Railway employees.

Project Concept

18. Has the sponsor performed an on‐site evaluation of the project to determine the project’s Yes No constructability and cost? If yes, provide date and attendees.

19. Describe any possible challenges or obstacles that will require additional design consideration, cost or design waivers. Specialty trades for the treatment of historic materials in order to comply with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, may prove difficult or more costly to procure. The design of the bench wall for the memorial may need to be simplified to provide for more cost effective construction.

20. The use of federal transportation funds requires compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); describe how this project will meet these design requirements. If this is a pedestrian and/or bicycle facility, include a description of the proposed surface (concrete, asphalt, etc) and width of the completed facility including any bridges. All access to the building from the site and within the building has been designed to be ADA‐accessible ‐‐including sidewalkds, entrances and public toilets.

21. Describe any anticipated challenges to meeting ADA design requirements including slope / terrain, RW limitations, historic features, etc.

Only minor modifications will be necessary in the toilet areas to accommodate ADA accessibility.

22. Is the project located within a designated historic district or within a downtown business Yes No district? If yes, how will the project improve the aesthetic value of the affected area? What economic impacts will the proposed changes have? The Virginian Railway Passenger Station, which has stood vacant and deteriorated for over a decade since destroyed by a fire in 2001, stands at a highly visible location that connects downtown Roanoke to the South Jefferson Redevelopment area and serves as a gateway to the Roanoke River & Railroad Historic District and the Riverside Center for Research and Technology and its associated new development. The restoration of the station will follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and will restore this highly visible and architecturally significant landmakr building.

23. It is expected that the sponsor will maintain the facility for its useful life. Provide details regarding maintenance and upkeep of the completed facility – identify who will be providing upkeep, what services will be provided, how long the services will be provided and where the funding for these services will come from. The Roanoke Chapter, NRHS will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the buiilding and surrounding property for the duration of its useful life. Income from the lease of the passenger station section of the building will provide the necessary funds for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the property.

24. If this project is for a pedestrian and/or bicycle facility, mark which best describes the project’s primary transportation function: N/A Commuting to and from workplace Residential connections Recreational / exercise Alternate transportation for daily needs (shopping, school, library)

25. If this project involves restoring an historic transportation facility, describe the proposed future use of the restored facility including details regarding the proposed staffing and operation of the facility, identifying potential funding sources for these activities.

N/A The historic Virginian Railway Passenger Station will be restored for adaptive reuse as an office and museum/archives for the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, a retail/commercial space and a comfort station for the Mill Mountain Greenway. The Roanoke Chapter, NRHS will staff their office and museum with volunteers and be open to the public by appointment. RCNRHS volunteers will also maintain the public restroom that will serve as a comfort station. The retail or commercial tenant will staff the leased space.

26. If this project provides vegetation management, describe the transportation right‐of‐way and how the project will improve roadway safety, prevent against invasive species, and/or provide erosion control.

N/A

27. If this project provides for archeological activities, describe the negative impacts of the related transportation project and how the proposed TA activities will improve or mitigate these impacts.

N/A 4

28. If this project provides environmental mitigation and/or pollution prevention – identify the impacts of highway construction and/or highway run‐off and describe how the proposed TA activities will improve or mitigate these impacts. Identify any waterways (rivers, streams, etc) being directly impacted / polluted by the current run‐off.

N/A

29. Does this project support or improve an existing or planned highway project? Yes No If yes, identify the project.

Project Improves Transportation Network

30. Does the project provide new access (access that does not currently exist) to transit Yes No stations, commuter lots, bus stops, etc.? If yes, provide a description of the public transportation links.

31. Does the project provide connections to existing regional trails or pedestrian / bicycle Yes No facilities? Does the project provide a “missing link” in the existing transportation network? If yes, explain making sure to identify the specific location and connections provided and the missing links addressed. Include a location map to demonstrate the connections and/or missing link.

32. Does the project provide bicycle/pedestrian facilities where none previously existed? Yes No If yes, explain why this location was chosen and include pictures of the proposed location. The project, which is located along the existing Roanoke City Greenway system, will provide bicycle racks and toilet facilities that will be accessible to the public.

33. Does this project increase opportunities to meet daily needs without motorized Yes No transportation?

If yes, give specific destinations served including schools, libraries, shopping, healthcare, etc.

34. Does this project add features/devices that will improve bicycle and pedestrian safety (ex. Yes No crosswalks, bike/ped signals, lighting, physical barriers to separate facilities, etc)? If yes, provide a description including any accident data available.

35. Does this project incorporate traffic calming design elements? Yes No

If yes, explain what traffic calming elements are being incorporated and how they will improve pedestrian safety.

36. Is this project in the locality’s local/regional transportation plan? Yes No

Explain how this project will help achieve these goals.

Sponsor’s Ability to Administer Federal Project

37. A sponsor is required to provide a full‐time employee who is responsible for all major project decisions. This person is referred to as the sponsor’s Responsible Person (RP) and may or may not be the project manager. Identify the full time staff member assigned as the “Responsible Person” for this project:

Name: Mark Jamison Title: Transportation Division Manager Years in this position: 8

38. Describe the experience and / or training that qualifies this person to be the responsible charge for a federal‐aid transportation project. Mr. Jamison has been involved with the a number of TA projects including the Virginian Railway Passenger Station project since the city assumed sponsorship of the project in 2007. Since 2003, he has also coordinated multiple VDOT urban projects for the City almost all of which use federal funding.

39. Select from the following the best choice describing the RP’s experience:

The RP has successful experience providing oversight or managing a federal aid transportation project within the previous five years. The RP has successful experience participating as a team member, but not a RP, for a federal aid transportation project. The RP has no experience with federal aid projects, but has provided oversight for a state‐aid transportation project. The RP has no experience providing oversight for a transportation project.

Regarding the experience noted above, briefly describe the two (2) most recent federal‐aid projects including project scope, phases included (PE, RW, CN), cost and whether or not the project finished on‐time and on‐budget. Virginian Railway Passenger Station, Building restoration, Phases 1 and 2, PE and CN,$1.5 million, project ongoing - Phase 1 completed on time and within budget, Phase 2 ongoing O. Winston Link Museum, museum cabinets and art racks, CN only, $15,000, on time and within budget

40. Describe the RP’s role and responsibilities while overseeing these projects.

Ensuring compliance with VDOT, City and FHWA processes and procedures to include approvals for various phases of the project and invoicing and reimbursement for expenditures. 6

41. Has the RP completed VDOT’s Core Curriculum on‐line training found on VDOT’s Locally Yes No Administered Projects webpage (www.virginiadot.org/business/local‐assistance‐lpt.asp)?

42. VDOT is required by federal regulation to ensure that the sponsor is adequately staffed to ensure the project is satisfactorily completed. Sponsors may supplement their staff with consultants, including project management duties. Is the Responsible Person also the Project If not, indicate: Manager (PM)? The following full‐time staff member will be assigned as Project Manager: ; Yes Project management will be performed by a consultant No

43. The sponsor’s staff and their consultants must have a working knowledge of the locally administered projects (LAP) process and the federal regulations affecting federal aid projects. Select from the following the best choice describing the proposed PM’s experience:

The PM has successfully administered one or more federal aid transportation project(s) within the previous five years. The PM has successfully administered one or more non‐roadway federal aid project(s) – sidewalk, streetscape, trail, landscaping, etc – within the previous five years. The PM has no experience with federal‐aid, but has successfully administered a state‐aid or locally funded transportation project within the previous five years. The PM has not successfully administered a transportation related project in the recent past. Unknown – the project management duties will be performed by a consultant.

Regarding the experience noted above, briefly describe the two (2) most recent federal‐aid projects including project scope, cost and whether or not the project finished on‐time and on‐budget.

N/A Virginian Railway Passenger Station, Building restoration, Phases 1 and 2, PE and CN,$1.5 million, project ongoing - Phase 1 completed on time and within budget, Phase 2 ongoing O. Winston Link Museum, museum cabinets and art racks, CN only, $15,000, on time and within budget

44. Describe the PM’s role and responsibilities managing the referenced projects including any challenges / delays encountered. How were these challenges resolved?

N/A Mr. Jamison has served as one of the City's primary contacts with VDOT during administration of locally administered projects. He has been involved with the Virginian Railway Passenger Station renovation since 2007 and has helped the applicant in working through a variety of issues with bidding, construction award, and DBE participation. Issues have been resolved through careful coordination with City and VDOT staff as well as work with the applicant and their consultants and contractors.

45. Provide PM’s most recent experience managing a Transportation Enhancement / Alternatives project include brief project description, history and any challenges encountered.

N/A Mr. Jamison has been involved with the Virginian Railway Passenger Station renovation since the city assumed

sponsorship of the project in 2007. The project includes the renovation of the Virginain Railway Passenger Station after a fire in 2001. Structural and roofing issues have been completed and Phase 2 of the project will complete the interior renovation and some minor site work. Funding was first received in 2006 and work has progressed since that time. This application is for funding to complete the project. Some challenges through the project have included the need to readvertise during the Phase 1 effort to address some discrepancies in the bids. That process was completed successfully and Phase 1 was completed and approved for reimbursement. Bids have been opened on Phase 2 of the project and some issues with DBE participation are currently being addressed. We have every confidence that these issues will be addressed appropriately and that the project will continue to move forward to completion.

46. Has the PM completed training utilizing FHWA’s Federal Essentials for Local Public Agencies Yes No (www.fhwa.dot.gov/federal‐aidessentials )?

47. Will the sponsor need to supplement their staff to complete their federal aid project? Yes No

If yes, select the services which will need to be outsourced: Type of Services 3 Comments, if necessary Project Management Environmental Design Right of Way Construction Engineering / Management & Inspection Materials Testing Other, please specify

48. The sponsor must be able to demonstrate “sufficient accounting controls” to administer a federal‐aid project. This requirement is identified in Chapter 2.2 of the VDOT LAP Manual. Briefly describe the financial management system currently in place that will track / monitor project costs for reimbursement. As a local government agency, the City of Roanoke has in place appropriate accounting controls with which to administer and manage expenditures of state and federal funds. The City of Roanoke is able to identify, track, and maintain records for all expenses for which full or partial reimbursement is requested and has demonstrated such ability through the successful completion of a number of state and federally funded projects in conjunction with VDOT.

Project’s Readiness to Proceed

49. Design / engineering will be performed:

In‐house by local staff In‐house utilizing a current on‐call contract Utilizing an outside consultant firm yet to be procured Utilizing an outside consultant firm already procured for use on this project

50. Is this project part of a larger / multi‐phased project? Yes No If yes, provide the current status of the other phases and describe how they relate to this project. This application requests funding to complete Phase 2: Building Restoration of the Virginian Railway Passenger Station. Phase 1: Building acquisition and Sttabilization was completed in 2012. The construction drawingsfor Phase 2 were completed in November 2013 and submitted for review and approval by VDOT. The Bid Documents were approved by the City of Roanoke and VDOT in 8

August 2014 and bids were received September 18, 2014. The lowest bid received was over the budget and did not allow for the completion of Bid Alternatives #2 and #3. In addition, the two lowest bids did not meet the DBE requirements and the project will need to be re‐bid. The funds currently being requested are based on an average of the four bids received. If granted, these funds will allow for the completion of the final phase of the project.

51. Has a master plan, feasibility and/or preliminary engineering studies been completed? Yes No

If yes, attach a copy of the plan / study and briefly summarize the results below. The rehabilitation of the Virginian Railway Passenger Station, as identified in the Master plan completed in 2003, will provide many benefits to the City of Roanoke, its citizens and visitors. The project preserves a piece of Roanoke’s railroad heritage and a National Register landmark. It will provide office and meeting space for the NRHS and will display artifacts and exhibits of railroad history related to the Virginian Railway

The project will also provide a comfort station with public toilets, bike racks, and an information kiosk for the Mill Mountain Greenway and serve as a gateway from downtown to the Riverside Center for Research and Technology. A portion of the space will be leased to a commercial entity to provide services to this rapidly developing area. Income from this space will be used to maintain the building and sustain its operations.

The estimated total cost of the restoration of the property will be approximately $2.3 million with over 50% provided in matching funds that include the donation of the property by Norfolk Southern Corp., grants from the City of Roanoke and FTA VDRPT, and cash and exhibit donations from the Roanoke Chapter, NRHS. Phase I was completed in 2012.

52. Has design work started? Yes No Design has been started, and 30% plans / 50% plans / 100% plans have been completed.

52a. Have these plans been reviewed by appropriate state / local official? Yes No

53. The ability to secure right of way (including easements) needed for a project is critical to a project’s success; which of the following best describes the right of way situation for this project: All right of way required is publicly owned (local and/or state) Right of way is privately owned but right of public use has been secured by deed (donated or purchased) Right of way is secured with the exception of some temporary / construction easements Right of way has not yet been secured for this project (includes when RW acquisition has started but not been completed) It is unknown what right of way and/or easements will be needed

54. This program will not participate in the cost of relocating overhead utilities for scenic beautification purposes. It will however participate in the costs required to eliminate Yes No conflicts. Are there existing utility poles located within the proposed project area that will need to be relocated in order to complete the proposed improvements? If yes, include pictures of poles within the specified project area explaining how they will impact the project and explain how the conflicts will be resolved.

54a. Has the right of way needed for relocation of the poles been secured? Yes No N/A

55. If overhead utilities are in conflict, has the local utility company(s) been consulted regarding Yes No removal and /or relocation of its facilities?

If yes, please identify the utility carrier(s) and specify if these costs are included in the attached budget.

N/A

56. Are there other conflicts / obstacles that must be addressed for the project to move forward?

No conflicts / obstacles present Drainage Underground utilities (gas, water, sewer) Impact to historic properties/district Guardrail, mailboxes, signs or other roadway structures Other Retaining wall

57. Attachment A – Supplemental Information for TMA projects – Required if project is located Attached: in an MPO within a TMA.

58. Attachment B – Supplemental Information for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Projects – Attached: Required if answered “Yes” to Question 10a.

59. Attachment C – Project Budget – Required for ALL projects. Attached:

60. Attachment D – Existing Project Status – Required for EXISTING projects only. Attached:

Submit one (1) electronic copy* and four (4) hard copies of the completed application along with all required attachments to:

Ms. Jennifer DeBruhl, Director of Local Assistance Division Virginia Department of Transportation 1401 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219

All applications must be received and / or post‐marked no later than November 1, 2014. If applications are being hand‐delivered, they must be received no later than 5:00pm Friday, October 31, 2014.

*The electronic copy should be sent to [email protected] and include the completed application, attachments A‐D, and all other supporting documents. This may include pictures, maps, endorsements, etc. If the application submission is too large to send via e‐mail, please mail a CD or DVD with all required materials to the above address. This can be included in the package containing the hard‐copies of your application.

FISCAL YEAR 2016 ATTACHMENT A TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM Projects Located in a TMA

1. Describe how the project is consistent with the MPO’s current long range transportation plan (LRTP)

The project is consistent with the goals of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission’s (RVARC) 2025 Long-Range Transportation Plan in a number of ways. An objective of the RVARC is to support the Greenway Commission in its effort to develop an interlinked network of urban and suburban greenways. The Virginian Station renovation supports the development of the greenway network through its proposed reuse as a comfort station for greenway users. The renovated building will provide public toilets and bike racks, as well as a railroad museum. The project will support the greenway network by adding these much-needed amenities on a popular section of the trail.

The museum element of the project is also consistent with the goal to develop transportation strategies that enhance tourism development. A concept in the plan was a “transit loop” connecting cultural institutions. Given the location of the historic train station along the greenway, the railroad museum and proposed memorial to former Virginian Railway employees could be a destination along the loop.

The adaptive reuse of existing assets, including buildings, is another goal of the RVARC. The project supports this goal by adaptively reusing a former train station, which was once a critical component of the transportation network. The chosen reuse as a comfort station for the greenway maintains the building’s association with the transportation system.

2. Describe how the project fits within local adopted master plans and specific goals of local and/or state government agencies and other organizations. Describe how the project originates from planning work conducted in the jurisdiction. Note if the project is included in any planning documents and how it supports the local land use plan. The project supports the planning goals of the City of Roanoke. The City of Roanoke Comprehensive Plan expresses the need to “identify, preserve, and protect its historic districts, landmark features, historic structures, and archeological sites.” The rehabilitation of the historic Virginian Station for a compatible new use supports this goal by preserving its historical integrity and by protecting it from development pressures. The project also serves as a step towards accomplishing the City’s goal of expanding walking and driving tours of historic and cultural resources. As a transportation museum and comfort station along the Mill Mt. Greenway, the former train station will be a logical stop on any walking, biking, or driving tour.

The historic train station is located in the South Jefferson Redevelopment Area. Its rehabilitation supports the vision espoused in the South Jefferson Redevelopment Plan for “a village at the crossroads of transportation systems and transportation oriented structures, utilizing the architecture of warehouses and historical structures for loft space and flex development, a counter point for the more refined campus and the traditional downtown.”

Reuse as a comfort station for the Mill Mt. Greenway ties the historic train station back into the transportation network. The South Jefferson Redevelopment Plan requires that development plans 12

contribute to an interconnected pedestrian and vehicular transportation system. It prescribes that improved connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods be established through a number of methods, including the integration of master planned pedestrian and bicycle paths. The comfort station has the potential to serve these new paths. Furthermore, the rehabilitation of this now vacant building will generate activity along the corridor that connects the South Jefferson Redevelopment Area to the downtown.

3. Describe how the project makes the region’s transportation facilities safer and less intimidating for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non‐drivers.

The project will provide a comfort station for the Roanoke City Greenway at a point where the section from downtown connects to the Mill Mountain greenway. The station will feature bike racks, an information kiosk and an accessible public toilet.

4. Describe how this project enhances transportation facilities for those with special needs, pursuant to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

As a comfort station on the Roanoke City Greenway system, the station will provide an accessible public toilet to users of the greenway.

5. Describe all public participation activities to date on the proposed project and what has been done to obtain public and community support. Please also describe any project coordination with other jurisdictions or agencies. The effort to save and renovate the Virginian Station started with a meeting in 2001 ofrepresentatives from various local organizations that recognized the importance of the station to the City In March 2005, a public workshop was held for the community to raise awareness of the station's importance and to explore appropriate new uses for the property. Based on this input, a master plan was developed in 2005 Since that time, the Roanoke Chapter, NRHS and the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation have been working together with the Roanoke Regional Housing Authority (the original sponsor) and the City of Roanoke to obtain funding for the project. Iin these efforts, several public hearings have been held by the City of Roanoke regarding resolutions to support grant applications for the Transportation Enhancement funds. As part of the EPA Brownfield grant from the City, a public participation plan was developed that included mailings to adjacent property owners, a publid hearing and the posting of the Clean‐up Plan for a 30‐day public input period. . If your project is in the National Capital Region, please answer the following additional questions:

1. As a regional policy, the TPB seeks to promote the development of Transportation Alternatives in Regional Activity Centers. Is any portion of the project located within a Regional Activity Center?

Yes No Center:

2. Is this project located within ¾ miles of a Metrorail (existing or under construction) or commuter rail 13

station?

Yes No Station:

3. Describe how the project creates linkages for users to transit and/or employment, as well as how the project fills a gap in the existing non‐automobile transportation infrastructure.

FISCAL YEAR 2016

ATTACHMENT C

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM

DATE: October 30, 2014

MAP 21 APPLICATION GY 2016 ATTACHMENT C VIRGINIAN STATION - PHASE II 10/30/2014 CONSTRUCTION - Building Construction Project Building Costs: Building Construction $ 640,807 Casework in Ticket Office $ 18,908 Exhibits $ 242,819

Total Building Costs:$ 902,534

CONSTRUCTION - Site & Utility Construction Project Site Costs: Site Costs (preparation, improvements, utilities) $ 233,719 Stone Monument Sign $ 18,048 Hardscape Features $ 24,983 Auxiliary Parking $ 78,614

Total Site Costs:$ 355,365

Note: Estimated Construction costs are based on an average of four bids received on 09/18/2014

RIGHT-OF-WAY- Not Required

PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING: Attorney & Related Fees $ 105,000 vdot Review & Oversight $ 5,000 Architects, Engineers, Surveyors $ 155,000

Total Soft Costs:$ 265,000

Total Phase II Cost $ 1,522,898.49

PHASE II FUNDS AVAILABLE: Funds Available: VDOT Grant Funds $ 403,994 FTA - VDRPT Grant $ 1,880 RCNRHS Donation $ 46,644 Donations to VGN Station Fund Value of Exhibits $ 125,000 Proceeds from Tax Credits $ 700,000

Total Site Costs:$ 1,277,519

TOTAL PHASE II FUNDS REQUESTED FY 2016 $ 246,000.00

Total Phase II VDOT Funds Anticipated$ 649,994.34 Phase II Local Match % 57%

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM

FISCAL YEAR 2016 ATTACHMENT D EXISTING PROJECT STATUS

Identify project status and activities completed to date for the phase that is currently requesting funds. Check all activities that have been completed on this project / phase and provide details of the progress made to date utilizing the text boxes available for each activity.

1. Project Initiation Initial Project Agreement fully executed

Kick‐off meeting with VDOT

2. Environmental Environmental (NEPA) document initiated

VDOT performing environmental coordination

Preliminary plans have been submitted to DHR for review

Environmental document complete and no adverse effect (Or MOA executed)

3. Preliminary Engineering for current phase in development RFP for design services developed

Design underway

50% Plans submitted for VDOT review

90/100% Plans submitted for VDOT review

Final plans and bid document submitted to VDOT

4. Right of Way No property or easements required

R/W plans/ survey complete

Appraisal(s) complete

All required property acquired/secured

R/W certification complete

5. Project Resources Additional funding is available to complete project if this request is not fully funded – no additional TAP funding will be requested.

Additional TAP funding will be requested if this request is not fully funded.

6. Provide any additional information that might help establish the progress made to date. This may include fundraising, public meetings/charrettes, significant donations or other milestones met. Construction bids for Phase II were received on September 18, 2014. A total of four bids were received. The lowest bid was over the estimated budget and did not allow for the completion of Bid Alternates #2 and #3. In addition, the lowest two bids did not meet the DBE requirements. It is anticipated that the project will need to be re‐bid.

Appendix A

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Master Plan

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application

Virginian Railway Passenger Station

Master Plan

June 2003 Revised October 31, 2014

Prepared for: Prepared by:

James G. Cosby Hill Studio Roanoke Chapter, 120 Campbell Ave. SW National Railway Historical Society Roanoke, VA 24011

Application for MAP-21 Grant, FY 2014

Table of Contents

A. Project Summary and Update ...... 2

B. Project Location, Description, and Site Map ...... 4

C. Selection Criteria ...... 9

D. Project Resources ...... 14

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 1

A. Project Summary and Update

Under sponsorship of the City of Roanoke, the Roanoke Chapter, National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) is requesting Transportation Enhancement Funds in the amount of $246,000.00 to complete the Phase II: Building Restoration of the Virginian Railway Station in the City of Roanoke, Virginia. Additional funding is needed based on recent bids received for the project that were in excess of the estimated budget for Phase II. In addition, the anticipated capital investment to the project from the syndication of the state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits has been reduced due to current market conditions.

Overview:

The restoration of the Virginian Railway Passenger Station will provide many benefits to the City of Roanoke, its citizens and visitors. The project preserves a piece of Roanoke's railroad heritage which is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places because of its importance in rail transportation and its unique architecture. It will provide office and meeting space for the NRHS and will display artifacts and exhibits of railroad history related to the Virginian Railway.

The project will also provide a comfort station with public toilets, bike racks, and an information kiosk for the Mill Mountain Greenway. It will serve as a gateway from downtown to the Riverside Center for Research and Technology. A portion of the space will be leased to a commercial entity to provide services to this rapidly developing area and an income stream to support the continuing operation of the station property.

There is substantial community-wide support for the restoration and utilization of this old station building. Following the fire in January 2001, a consortium of local civic and cultural groups met to express concern over the future of the station. The Roanoke Valley

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 2 Preservation Foundation (RVPF) and the Roanoke Chapter, NRHS lead the efforts to work with Norfolk Southern for the donation of the building to the NRHS.

There is an urgent need to complete the restoration of the building because of its damage from the fire and subsequent exposure to the elements. Phase I: Building Acquisition and Stabilization, including roof reconstruction, has been completed with funds from TEA-21 grants in 2005 B 2006 in the amount of $85,000 and 2006/2007 in the amount of $182,000 as well as $200,000 from the City as part of the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund program provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Phase II “Building Restoration” has been almost completely funded through Transportation Enhancement Funds for FY 2010/2011 and 2011-2012 in the amount of $500,000 and 2012-2013 in the amount of $93,000.

Architectural plans and specifications for Phase I have been completed and approved by the City of Roanoke and VDOT. Bids for Phase I were received on September 18, 2014. As the bids received were in excess of the estimated project budget and did not meet the DBE goals set by VDOT, the project will need to be re-bid. In anticipation of revised bids, the RCNRHS is requesting additional funds based on an average of the four bids received for Phase II.

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 3 B. Project Location, Description, and Site Map

Location

The Virginian Passenger Station is located at 1402 Jefferson Street SE in the Southeast quadrant of the City of Roanoke, Virginia at the intersection of Williamson Road and Jefferson Street. The building located at 1402 South Jefferson Street is on a parcel of land situated between Williamson Road and active Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks. There is a small barber shop located on the property adjacent to the station with the potential to provide expansion.

Site Map

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 4 Description

The project to rehabilitate the Virginian Railway Station will provide for the preservation of this important resource in Roanoke as well as provide offices and museum/exhibit space for the National Railway Historical Society/Roanoke Chapter. The project will include leasable space for a commercial office or retail space to help support the building’s ongoing maintenance. The renovated station will also serve as a comfort station on the Mill Mountain Greenway with an information kiosk, bike racks, and public toilet facilities.

Current Site Map

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 5 History and Architectural Significance

The Virginian Station in 1956

The Virginian Railway Passenger Station in Roanoke, Virginia, was constructed in 1909, the year that the Virginian Railway completed track laying for coal transport from Deepwater, West Virginia to Sewells Point at Hampton Roads. The opening of the Virginian’s Sewells Point piers, along with the Norfolk and Western Railway pier at Lamberts Point and the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway terminus at Newport News, made Hampton Roads the world’s largest shipping point for coal.

Consolidation of the Virginian Railway was engineered by industrial entrepreneur Henry Huttleston Rogers. On the eve of the civil war, Rogers invested in a small oil refinery in northwestern Pennsylvania that sold out to Standard Oil in 1874. Rogers subsequently became chairman of Standard Oil’s manufacturing committee and was a Standard Oil vice president by 1890. When it became apparent that John D. Rockefeller did not favor Rogers as his successor at Standard Oil, Rogers expanded his interests in mining and transportation to gain personal fortune in the first decade of the 20th Century, then valued at more than $100 million. Sometime around 1900 Rogers obtained a controlling interest in the Deepwater Railway Company in West Virginia, a short line built in 1895 from Deepwater to a large timber operation, with prospects for expansion into neighboring coal fields. Rogers named the Deepwater Railway charter in 1902 to provide for its extension to the border with Virginia at Glen Lyn on the New River. When neither of the

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 6 established competing lines, the Chesapeake and Ohio and the Norfolk and Western, offered to buy out the Deepwater, Rogers chartered the Tidewater Railway in Virginia in 1904 to connect with Deepwater and deprive the rival railways of valuable freight from the rich West Virginia coal fields. Rogers obtained a charter for the Virginian Railway on 1907 to combine the Deepwater and Tidewater lines and spent $40 million of his own funds that year to finance completion of the railway. Trains were running on Virginian tracks from Roanoke to Deepwater by February 1909 and from Norfolk to Roanoke by June 1909. Rogers died in New York City in May 1909, a month before train traffic on the Virginian ran the entire 440 mile length of the line.

Roanoke stood at the division point between the New River Division and the Norfolk Division of the Virginian Railway and was the largest city on the Virginian line between Deepwater and Norfolk. Roanoke was an important location to make an impression on the public. The N & W’s headquarters was located there, and the Virginian wanted to make a public statement. Therefore, a large passenger depot was planned and built in Roanoke in 1909-10. A 1909 Roanoke Times article reported, “The foundation for the Virginian Passenger Station was started September 25, for a building 162 feet long and 32 feet wide. The waiting rooms would be at one end, the baggage and express quarters at the other.” A photograph of the brick hipped-roofed passenger station and baggage room I featured in a ca. 1912 promotional publication for the Virginian Railway that noted Roanoke’s strategic location, “situated at the gateway of Southwest Virginia, in close proximity to and in direct communication with the Virginia and West Virginia coal fields.”

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 7

The Station in 1910, just after completion.

This building, the most substantive public use structure ever built by the Virginian was unique in its design for the road. A terra cotta tile and brick structure stood well apart from the standard board and batten with tin or shingled roof buildings constructed elsewhere on the line. This station was unique to the railroad and existed nowhere but Roanoke. As passenger service declined with the advent of better roads and personal automobiles, the Virginian’s passenger trains also declined. Roanoke was still an important point, with crew changes occurring at the station. With the introduction of electrification in 1925, Roanoke was the eastern end of the electrical system, and motive power changed from electric to steam in front of the station. World War II brought a huge increase in passenger business for the railroads, but after the War had ended, rider ship dropped considerably. The Virginian first cut back trains in West Virginia, then the state line, finally to end at Roanoke before complete discontinuance on January 29, 1956. The depot was used for a time as railroad office space, but the merger with the N&W on December 1, 1959 ended most usage of duplicate facilities. The station was leased out to a feed and seed store, sometime after the merger, and it remained in service, albeit in poor condition until 45 years to the day of the last passenger train, a destructive fire did a considerable amount of damage to the roof and substructure, precipitating an effort to save the one of a kind structure

With the introduction of electrification in 1925, Roanoke was the eastern end of the electrical system, and motive power changed from electric to steam in front of the station. World War II brought a huge increase in passenger business for the railroads, but after the War had ended, rider ship dropped considerably. As passenger service declined with the advent of better roads and personal automobiles, the Virginian’s passenger trains also declined. The Virginian first cut back trains in West Virginia, then the state line, finally to end at Roanoke before complete discontinuance on January 29, 1956. The depot was used for a time as railroad office space, but the merger with the N&W on December 1, 1959 ended most usage of duplicate facilities. The station was leased out to a feed and seed store, sometime after the merger, and it remained in service, albeit in poor condition until 45 years to the day of the last passenger train, a destructive fire did a considerable

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 8 amount of damage to the roof and substructure, precipitating an effort to save the one of a kind structure.

C. Selection Criteria

Relationship to Transportation

The restoration of this historic train station is directly related to the rail transportation industry and will continue to provide the general public with a place in which to not only learn the history of the railroad industry but actually see it in operation. Norfolk Southern has active tracks on the south side of the building on the former Virginian Railway ROW.

Demonstrated Need

There is an urgent need to revitalize the building because of its damage from fire and subsequent exposure to the elements. The roof needs to be replaced and new windows placed in the building to protect the structural integrity of the building. The station has been sitting for two years with a major hole in its roof allowing water to pour into the building and potentially damage the interior areas. The historical significance of the station makes it mandatory that rehabilitation work be completed as soon as possible.

Once completed, this project will provide the general public with a museum to learn about the Virginian and N & W Railways and their importance to the birth and growth of the City of Roanoke, Virginia. It will provide displays relating to the Virginian Railway and railroading in the region. The station will also provide a gateway to the Riverside Center for Research and Technology and provide community meeting space.

Project Usefulness and / or Benefit

The rehabilitation of the Virginian Railway Passenger Station will provide many benefits to the site and neighborhood as well as to the Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, the Roanoke Valley Greenways Program, the History Museum, and the City of Roanoke, and the citizens of the Roanoke Valley.

It will provide a small museum with displays relating to the Virginian Railway and railroading in the region. The museum will also house public restrooms for use by the general public and specifically those users of the Mill Mountain Greenway that passes in front of the building. Currently under construction, the Mill Mountain Greenway is destined to become a popular trail for walking and hiking from the top of Mill Mountain to Downtown Roanoke. Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 9

Once the Station has been rehabilitated, it will consist of the following:

West Building (former passenger station):

 Space suitable for leasing for use as offices, a restaurant or other commercial use.  The original ticket office rehabilitated and restored to its original condition.  Separate updated restroom facilities in their original locations for both males and females within the commercial area.

East Building (former baggage and express building):

 Museum display area  Public, unisex restroom facilities for use by greenway patrons and the general public.  NRHS office, meeting, and storage space  A mechanical room for ventilation equipment.

The ventilation equipment will be located in the mechanical room and its associated infrastructure will be located in the rafters above. Venting flues for restrooms will be in their original locations.

The diagram above shows the proposed architectural plans for the Station.

Community support for the station is strong. Immediately following the fire at the station on January 29, 2001, representatives from the N & W Historical Society, Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, National Railway Historical Society, Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation, Old Southwest Inc., Roanoke City Department of Economic Development, Roanoke Valley History Museum, Virginia Museum of Transportation, and the Roanoke Regional Preservation Office (DHR) met on March 15, 2001 to discuss plans to rehab and fix the damaged structure.

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 10 The site concept plan for the station is shown below.

The revised plan includes:

 A new parking lot design to accommodate more vehicles  New concrete sidewalks around the East, North, and West sides of the building.  New surfaced area under the roof between the two buildings utilizing brick pavers.  A sign and railroad signal light at the corner of Williamson Road and Jefferson Street  Landscape for front lawn area with new tree plantings on the Jefferson Street edge and the Williamson Road edge of the property at the entrance to the station.  Painted crosswalk from sidewalk to building for use by Greenway Patrons and bicyclist.  A bicycle rack

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 11 Support Facilities

As part of the Virginian Railway Passenger Station restoration and rehabilitation public restrooms, bike racks for parking of bicycles, an exhibit room with mobile displays to also be used as a meeting room, and an information kiosk providing information about items of interest in Roanoke and specifically Downtown Roanoke and also the Roanoke Valley Greenways network.

In 1995 the Mill Mountain Greenway was selected to be a pilot project for the Roanoke Valley. This greenway connects downtown Roanoke to Mill Mountain and eventually will connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Explore Park. The roughly 7-mile route will use existing roads as well as new designated paths for walkers and cyclists.

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 12 Educational / Historical

The Virginian Passenger Station is a valuable piece of Roanoke’s history and contributes an architectural masterpiece to the rail heritage of the Roanoke Valley. There is significant community-wide support for the restoration and utilization of this old station building.

Street Side Elevation

The railroad industry was largely responsible for the foundation and growth of the City of Roanoke beginning in the 1880s and continuing through the 1940s. The period of significance for the Virginian Passenger Station began at the date of its construction in 1909, extending to the period when its use for railroad passenger service was discontinued in the mid-1950s. The Virginian Railway Passenger Station is on the National Register of Historic Places because of its significance in the area of Transportation due to its contribution to the railroad industry and its facilitation of passenger transport to and from Roanoke, and in the area of Architecture for its unique visual characteristics and methods of construction that were only used for a brief period of time and only by the railroad industry.

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 13 D. Project Resources

Restoration of the station will provide online access to the archives of the Roanoke Chapter, NRHS, the Virginia Museum of Transportation, O. Winston Link Museum, N & W Historical Society, Norfolk Southern Corporation and the Virginia Tech N & W archives available to the public.

Project Resources

Detail of Total Project Match Norfolk Southern Corp Donation of Building & Land 124,000 SAFETEA-LU 312 Federal Appropriation 197,486 City of Roanoke Brownfield Grant 150,000 Roanoke Chapter, NRHS Contributions: Project management (contributed by NRHS) 90,000 Volunteer labor - select demolition (RVPF and NRHS) 3,600 Volunteer labor – landscaping (RVPF and NRHS) 2,400 Exhibit Design – NRHS 8,000 Exhibit Installation – NRHS 4,000 Roanoke Chapter, NRHS Cash (tax credit proceeds) 800,000 NRHS Donated Railroad Exhibit 100,000 Environmental Documentation (NRHS match) 10,000 Total Roanoke Chapter NRHS Contribution 1,008,000 Total Project Match $ 1,489,486

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application 14

Appendix B

Resolution of Roanoke City Council

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA

The 20th day of October, 2014.

No. 40078- 102014.

A RESOLUTION supporting and authorizing the City' s application for an additional

funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Transportation Transporation

Alternatives Program funding for the Roanoke Chapter National Railway Historical Society for

the restoration and renovation of the Virginian Railway Passenger Station; authorizing the City

Manager to execute the required applications and take any other actions to respond to any

inquiries or provide supplemental information; and authorizing the City Manager to execute such

other documents and to take such further actions as may be necessary to apply for such

additional funds.

WHEREAS, in accordance with the Commonwealth Transportation Board construction

allocation procedures, it is necessary that the City of Roanoke, Virginia (City) adopt a resolution

requesting the Commnonwealth of Virginia Department of Transportation ( VDOT) to establish a

Transportation Alternatives project within the City, and by Resolution No. 36411- 061603, the

City endorsed the Commonwealth Transportation Board establishment of a project for the

restoration of the Virginian Railway Passenger Station (Project);

WHEREAS, the Roanoke Chapter National Railway Historical Society ( RCNRHS) has been awarded a total of $895, 000 in Transportation Enhancement Grant funds ( now known as the Transportation Alternatives Program finding) for the renovation of the Project which Project is in two ( 2) phases, with Phase 1 of the Project completed, and by Resolution No. 39588-

020413, the City ratified its continued support for the Project; WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 36411- 061603, the City agreed to serve as the new Project sponsor for the Project, together with other terms and provisions as set forth in Resolution No. 36411- 061603; and WHEREAS, RCNRHS is seeking additional Transportation Alternatives Program funds in the amount of$246,000 to complete Phase 2 ofthe Project, which additional funds require a 20% match and such match to be provided through donations to RCNRHS and the Virginian Station fund.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council ofthe City ofRoanoke as follows: 1. The City hereby expresses the City' s continued support for the Project and supports the City's application to VDOT for additional funding in the amount of$246,000 from the Transportation Alternatives Program funds to support the Project as further and more fully described in the City Council Agenda Report dated October 20, 2014, which additional funding requires a local match of 20% and which local match shall be provided through donations to RCNPHS and the Virginian Station fund. 2. The City Manager and the City Clerk are hereby authorized to execute and attest, respectively, for and on behalf of the City, any and all requisite documents pertaining to the City' s application to VDOT for the additional funding from the Transportation Alternative Program funds, approved as to form by the City Attorney, and to take any other actions to respond to any inquiries or provide supplemental information. 3. The City Clerk is directed to forward a copy ofthis Resolution to the appropriate officials at the RCNRHS and to any other entity as may be requested by the RCNRHS.

ATTEST:

Ix* City Clerk

Appendix C

Resolution of Roanoke Valley Appalachian Regional Planning Organization

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application

Appendix D

Letters of Support

Virginian Railway Passenger Station Restoration FY 2016 MAP-21 Grant Application